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THINGS TO REMEMBER
Along with the waves of globalization India still remains very much rooted to its values, traditions and cultures. Practices that are common in the Western world can not be related to that of India. For that raison d'être and for socio-cultural and personal wellbeing, it is advised, that tourists follow certain 'things to remember' while touring this beautiful land.
- Firstly all foreigners are required to get themselves registered with the Foreigner's Regional Registration Office (FRRO)
- The classic Indian namastey is the local form of greeting and welcoming guests. It's an elegant and polite way to greet an Indian woman than a handshake .It's popular with men too, elderly men specially would prefer a respecttful namastey. Follow it up with a kaise hai (how are you?) and you have broken the first chunk of ice.
- Carrying a pack of sweets and savories is common etiquette in India.
- Prepaid taxi service at airports can be availed as it is most economical.
- In temples mosques and it is mandatory to take off your footwear as a mark of respect. It may also be an obligation to remove your footwear while visiting people's homes.
- Give or taking something important like a gift or money should be done only with the right hand .Using the left hand is considered impolite and lack of respect.
- Bargaining is a must if you are buying from roadside stall.
- Drink only bottled water. Stomach upsets might result on drinking local tap water; at least ensure that it is boiled if there is no other alternative.
- It is advised not to go for ready-to-eat food from wayside stalls or mobile canteens. Your system may not be used to such kind of food. Try to avoid spicy foods too.
- Beware of strangers offering bargains; pickpockets and petty thieves.
- Do not accept drinks and food from strangers and say no to picking up hitchhikers while traveling.
- Try not to stay in very inexpensive hotels, keep the hotel room locked and meet guests rather in the lobby.
- The voltage used in India is 220v (the U.S uses 120v). You could get a converter at most hardware stores for electrical devices that do not work on 220v.
- Use only authorized tourist guides and authorized taxis.
- Avoid driving in India unless you are trained.
- Intermittently India and Pakistan engage in clashes across the disputed Kashmiri border. Indian armed forces are at odds with Kashmiri separatists in the state. These separatist groups have targeted foreign travelers who were either kidnapped or killed. Therefore it is advisable to avoid the western part of Jammu & Kashmir.
- Communal turbulence in the Northeastern states resulted in terrorist attacks on trains, buses, bridges, and political killings. bureaucrat sources push for caution in visiting the states of Assam, Nagaland, Tripura, Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya and Mizoram.
- Good care should also be taken while traveling to parts of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar given the frequency of local attacks.
- Avoid communal demonstrations and other civil conflicts.
- Avoid offers of spiritual healing and recuperation from fake saints and god men. There are few genuinely spiritual people in India, take help from known sources to visit them.